These farmers markets still are open, and many are holding holiday events

Fall may be disappearing in the blink of an eye, but local farmers markets still are selling seasonal produce and food products well into the holiday season, with some going right up to Christmas.

In addition to regularly available foodstuffs and produce, some markets also are featuring special holiday bazaars in conjunction with holiday parades, music festivals and other special events to help you get into the holiday spirit. Many farmers markets keep their most up-to-date information on their websites or Facebook pages.

"Supporting local farmers, bakers and watermen is a great tradition to share with friends and family. Where your food comes from matters – to your health, the community, even the local economy," said Tracy Herner, interim vice president of the Virginia Farmers Market Association and manager of the Williamsburg Farmers Market.

Here's a list of local farmers markets that are open in the fall and holiday seasons, as well as those that are holding special holiday events. This is a sample list; for more information about area farmers markets, visit the Virginia Farmers Market Association website at vafma.org or the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown/.

The Western Branch Farmers Market will hold a holiday market on Sunday, Dec. 2, from noon until 4 p.m with locally produced food and gift items. The market is at Chesapeake Square Mall, indoors near the theater entrance.

The Chesapeake Health Department hosts a farmers market every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Thanksgiving. The market is at 748 N. Battlefield Blvd. For more information, call 757-382-8650.

Norfolk

The Hampton Blvd. Farmers Market's regular season is April through September, but it has a special Thanksgiving Market on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 7400 Hampton Blvd. in Norfolk. Twenty-five vendors are participating, and many are bringing special items for your Thanksgiving table and holiday gift-giving. For more information, visit www.hamptonblvdfarmersmarket.com.

The Markets Fare at East Beach is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. through the end of the year and is located at 9514 Shore Drive in Norfolk. Guest vendors will be featured throughout the holiday season. For more information, visit www.themarketsfare.com or check out the Facebook page.

Hampton

The Buckroe Beach Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May through Nov. 17. For more information contact Don Willis at 757-810-7478 or VillageEvents@cox.net.

Portsmouth

The Olde Towne Portsmouth Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Dec. 22. On Dec. 8, the market will have extended hours to coincide with the Old Towne Music Festival and will feature music, food and crafts. For more information visit www.portsmoutholdetownefarmersmarket.com.

St. Andrew's will host a special holiday market Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will feature baked goods and crafts. St. Andrews is located at 4811 High St.

Smithfield

The Smithfield Farmers Market normally is held Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon late March through mid-October. However several specialty markets are scheduled through December. Themed markets are scheduled Nov. 17, Nov. 24, Dec. 1 and Dec. 15. Smithfield also will host an evening holiday market Nov. 17 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information visit www.smithfieldfarmersmarket.org/market-calendar.html or www.visitsmithfieldva.com.

Suffolk

The weekly Suffolk Farmers Market offers locally grown fruits, vegetables, baked goods, meats, eggs, jellies and more. The market is on the corner of Constance Road and N. Main St., and is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 17. The first Saturday market of each month features live music, activities and a petting zoo. For questions, please contact the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757-514-4130.

Virginia Beach

The Virginia Beach Farmers Market is located at 3640 Dam Neck Road. Most merchants are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Themed markets include a Santa's Workshop on Dec. 8 featuring crafts and seasonal foods. This year, the market also will have a skating rink set to open Nov. 17. For more information, visit www.vbgov.com/government/departments/agriculture/farmers-market.

Hunt Club Farm is located at 2388 London Bridge Road and runs seasonal markets from April through December. For information about specific events, visit www.huntclubfarm.com/farm-market.

Williamsburg

The Williamsburg Farmers Market is located at 402 W. Duke of Gloucester St. (Merchants Square in the heart of historic Colonial Williamsburg). The market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon through Dec. 22. On Dec. 1, the market will open one hour earlier to coincide with the annual Christmas Parade. The market features seasonal produce and baked goods, as well as turkeys, candles and wreaths. For more information visit williamsburgfarmersmarket.com.

Yorktown

Although Yorktown's Market Days farmer's market regular season ends in mid-October, there are several theme days that extend the market through early December. Located at the Yorktown waterfront at 331 Water St., Nov. 17th is the Holiday Open House; and Dec. 8 is the Holiday Market and Toyland Parade. For more information visit www.visityorktown.org/225/Market-Days.

Onancock Farmers and Artisan Market will have its seventh annual holiday market Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include more than 40 vendors selling breads, cakes, honey, and a variety of crafts. For more information visit onancockmarket.com or see the Facebook page.

Visit the Golden Village Christmas in Heathsville on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rice's Hotel/Hughlett's Tavern in the town's historic town square on the Northern Neck. For more information, visit www.RHHTFoundationinc.org.